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Cambridge Police arrested two people Monday night after a detective witnesses what he believed to be a transaction of drugs, a firearm, or both in Central Square.

Police said Ramses Canelus, 26, of Hammond Street in Roxbury, and Daqwan Collins, 17, of Columbia Street in Cambridge, were each arrested on firearm and drug charges after attempting to flee police.

A detective in plain clothes spotted Collins, whom he believed was concealing a firearm, at about 9:30 p.m. Monday and followed him in Central Square until witnessing what he believed was a transaction with Canelus involving drugs a firearm or both, according to Cambridge Police.

When the detective approached the men and identified himself, police said Canelus fled on foot through Central Square darting into traffic before police took him to the ground. According to police, Canelus had a firearm in his backpack and he could not produce a license to license to carry or a firearms identification card. Collins also fled through the square before police also caught him, according to Cambridge Police.

The firearm seized by police Monday. Photo courtesy Cambridge Police.

Police recovered one firearm and a bag containing 20 grams of marijuana.

In a press release Tuesday announcing the arrests, Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert C. Haas said the city streets are safer due to the police work.

“Running into traffic and risking injury, our officers and detectives are a true example of bravery and dedication,” Haas said.

Canelus was arrested on charges including possession of a large capacity firearm, possession to distribute a Class D drug, conspiracy to violate drug laws, defacing a firearm serial number, carrying a firearm without a license.

Collins was arrested on charges including possession of a large capacity firearm, conspiracy to violate drug laws, defacing a firearm serial number and carrying a firearm without a license.